Starting device for internal-combustion engines.



w. 1 PERKINS. STA RTING DEVICE FOR'INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES.-

APPLICATI'ON FILED APR. 4, I911. RENEWED MAR- 7. 1914.

Patented July'6, 191 5.

2 SHEETS-$HEET I- II IIJJI Ill/1 III III W. J. PERKINS.

I STARTING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES.

APPENIATION FILED APR. 4, m1. RENEWED MAR. 1.1914. T

1,145,435. PatentedJuly 6, 1915.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2- III UNITED STATES PATENT @FFIQE.

WILLIS J. PERKINS, F GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

STARTING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 6, 1915.

' Application filed April 4, 1911, Serial No. 618,930. Renewed March 7, 1914. Serial No. s2s,24s.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Vt rLLIs J. PERKINS, a

. citizen of the United States, residing at -Grraml Rapids, Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Starting De'vices for InternaLCombustion Engines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in starting devices for internal combustion engines, and it is particularly and especially well adapted for use on all manually operated starting devices for internal combustion engines, whether an automobile crank, a starting bar or lever, or other eans, but may be adapted to power opera ed starting devices also. a J

The object of this invention is, in starting,

to insure the firing time or electrical ignition omies of the constructionffind details of the peration, will definitely appear from the description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.

- The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention in preferred form and various modifications, is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing -for min'g a part of this specification, in which:

Figure I is a View largely diagrammatic .of my invention applied to the starting mechanism of an internal combustion engine as applied to an automobile. Fig. II is an enlarged detail sectional view. on line 22 of Fig. I, showing details'of the automatic cut-out switch. Fig. III is a detail plan view, taken on a line corresponding to line 33 of Fig. II, of the same automatic switch mechanism. Fig. IV is an enlarged detail view, partially in section, on line 4-4 of Fig. I, showing the action of the trip collar of the crank on the automatic cut-out switch. Fig. V is an enlarged detail sectional view on line 55 of Figs. I and VI, showing the a switch means for controlling the regular circuit and special circuit cut-out of this device. .Fig. VI is an enlarged detail sectional view on line 6-6 of Figs. I and V.-

Fig. VII is a diagrammatic view showing the circuits and the connection and wiring of the parts. Fig. VIII is an enlarged detail view of a modification showing the structure directly applied to a usual construction of an adjustable ignition timer. Fig. IX is an enlarged detail sectional view on line 99 of Fig. VIII. Fig.- X'is a view of a modification of the structure where a detachable starting bar lever or crank is made use of for starting the engine. Fig. XI is a detail sectional view on line 1111 of Fig. X.

In the drawings, the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines, and similar numerals of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.-

Considering the numbered parts of the tion, and is provided with a crank shaft 2 to which manual rotary motion may be applied for starting the same. A crank 3 is preferably made use of in starting, having a collar 4 onthe crank shank or horizontal extension for operating or tripping the cut-out switch device for breaking or disconnecting the main ignition circuit, which circuit includes the early spark. Suitably housed in a box 5 is a cut-out switch means consisting of the switch bar 6 carried by rock shafts 7 which is automatically urged against contact points 8-8 for closing the main sparking circuit 11. A tension spring 9 on the rock shaft 7 holds the switch normally closed. An arm 10 on this rock shaft projects normally into the path of the trip collar 4 on the shank of the crank 3, so

that when the crank 3 is inserted to lock in .one dire ction with crank shaft 2 to start the engine, it will depress or move the arm 10 cuit 16 leads from the contact 8' to the inde are joined by conductor 17 The arms 18- 18 are pivoted together on the timer connecting rod 19 (or any suitable movable member of the ignition control system). This rod 19 leads from the spark controller rock shaft 20 of the steering column 23 of an automobile to the timer 24. The connecting rod 19 is here shown connected to the rock shaft arm 21 on the rock shaft 20, and to the bell crank 22, which connects to the timer 24 by the link 22. It will thus be seen that this sliding switch 17 is freely movable back and forth whenever the connecting rod 19'is moved. The contact plate 15 is so located relatively that it will only be connected to theplate 14 by the switch 17 when the timer 24 is set at the so-called late ignition period. From this description, of the parts of the main structure, its operation will now be readily'understood.

When the timer is set at the early spark,

the switch 17 .Will be in the position indi-.

cated in Figs. I and VI. The late contact plate 15 willnot be included in the ignition circuit. If, now, the crank 3 be inserted, the collar 4 on the shank thereof will contact with the arm 10 and openthe' switch at 6.

Because the timer is set at the early spark,

it will be impossible toproduce an electric spark to start the engine, because the electric ignition circuit will be brfren'. If the timer is moved to the late spark before inserting the crank, the result will be that the rod 19will move toward the right of Fig. I, and the switch 17 will then electrically connect the plates 14 and 15. If, now, the crank is inserted, it will operate the switch 6, but this will not break the circuit because there is a short or cut-ofi" circuit 16 leading from the contact 8"to the plate 15 which is now connected with the plate 14 in the circuit to the spark plug through the timer. If the crank is now operated, the engine will be fired at the late spark and there is no danger of the back kick or reverse rotation which has heretofore injured many persons and resulted in so much damage.

The above described form of my invention may beused in motor vehicles operated by internal combustion engines and it eliminates the extending of all electric circuits or wires to the ignition controlling means, usually mounted on the ordinary steering mast or adjacent thereto. I provide this form substantially as a merchantable accessory applicable to the majority of types of -motor vehicles now in use. When the structure is includedin the original design of internal combustion engines for motor vehicles, its details may be refined and mate- 1 rially modified Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. In some forms of ignition control, a portion of the device may be directly applicable to radially movable parts, as seen in VIII hereafter to as rod 19, Fig. I. The principle and opera'-: tion are similar. one of convenience and utllity.

In the modifications seen in Figs. VIII, IX, X and XI, I show the device radially operated by and incorporated into the common form of adjustable ignition timerde-j vices. Figs. I and ner to the parts shown in Figs. VIII and X. In Figs. VIII, IX, X and XI, I show the invention modified and especially adapted to engines equipped with detachable man- The connecting circuits shown VII are connected in like manual starting devices- In Fig. VIII I show i the adjustable timer 24 with "the hand'lever I 25 projecting at one side, which isa common construction for engines. "I provide J the contact plates 14 and 15 arranged in proximity to the lever 25 and the switch bar 26, which corresponds to the switch 17 beneath the timer lever 25. This switch bar isurged intocontact with the contact platesof' my preceding. construction, is disposed 14 and 15 by a coiled spring 27, .which is suitably carried on the under side of the lever 25, a recess 28 being formed in an insulated block 29 for that purpose. The cutout means for cutting out the early spark is operated by the starting bar 38, the weight j of which, when it is put into position after the engine is started, closes the regular cir-- cuit and permits the setting of the timer to get the early or late spark. In order, with this structure, when the starting bar 38 or detachable crank is removed from its sup port, to get the late'spark it is necessary in starting the engine to set'the timer lever at the late spark. A block or rest 30, suitably located in relation to theengine, is provided,"which carries the switch mechanism,-

which is operated by the weight of the starting lever bar or crank 38, or other starting means. "Within this block 30 is a recess 31 for receiving the end of'the starting bar. The switch bar 32 is carried on the forward end of the lever 34 by pivot 33 in the end of the said lever 34. The lever 34 is'fulcrum'ed -.at 35 and is held normally upward by spring 36. The rear end 37 of the lever forms a stopto retain the switch bar 32 in a slightly elevated position out of contact with the contacts 8-8. Any suitable support, may be provided for the opposite end of the lever 38, so that when the lever 38 is inposition,

the main sparl': circuit, which includes the early spark circuit, is closed by the action Spark.

' tures are also adapted to the make and break;

ignition circuit is broken. It is then necessary to obtain a current or spark to move the timer lever to the late spark so that the cutout circuit 16 will connect through switch bar 26 through plates 14 and 15 and enable the current to pass to the ignition device. The operation is then the same as previously described, it being thus impossible to start the engine until the timer is set at the late That my claims may be clear, will state that by main circuit I mean the circuit including the early spark. I do this because it is the circuit which is made use of after the engine is started. and while it is doing its work. The circuit including the late spark only I denominate the cut-out circuit because it cuts out that portion of the main circuit which includes the early spark. This circuit, however, embraces a portion of the same conductor and other devices as the main circuit.

The structures illustrated are all shown with Jump spark timer devices. The strucdevices as well. I do not deem it necessary to illustrate'the same, as such changes as may be needed to adapt the invention to such will be readily made by a skilled mechanic.

It is thus clear that my invention is capable of many embodiments. I believe these shown are of special-merit. I desire to claim the inventionbroadly, and also the preferred specific form as shown by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: I

1. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination of the engine; a1crank shaft therefor; a disconnectible crank for operating the same; a main ignition circuit; a self-closing switch in the said ignition circuit; disconnecting devices A disposed to be acted upon by the crank when it is 'moved to the operative position for breaking the said circuit; a timer in said main ignition circuit; a cut-out circuit connected at one end to the electric source side of the said selficlosing switch and terminating at its opposite end in an automatic switch consisting of a plurality of plates and a movable member; means for adjusting the said timer connected to the said automatic switch and'adjusted to close the said automatic switch only when the timer is set for a late spark, coacting subst. t iiy as described and for the purpose s coined.

2.. In a starting device for .rnal combustion engines, the combination of the engine; a crank shaft therefor; a disconnectible crank for operating the same; a main ignition circuit; "elf-closing switch in the said ignition circuit; trip devices to be acted upon by the crank when it is moved to the operative position for breaking the said circuit; atimer in said main ignition circuit; a cut-out circuit connected at one end to the electric source side of the said se1f-c1osing switch and terminating at its opposite end in an automatic switch; means for adjusting the said timer connected to the said automatic switch and adjusted to close the said automatic switch only when the timer is set for a late spark, coacting substantially as described and for the purpose specified.

3. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination with the engine; means for imparting to thec'ngine its initial motion; a main ignition circuit; a normally closed switch in the said ignition crcuit; means for opening the same adapted to be operated by the actuation of the start ing means; a cut-out circuit connected at one end to the electric source side of the said normally closed switch an automatic switch at the opposite end of said cut-out circuit to connect the same to the main ignition circuit; a timer in the main ignition circuit; and means for adjusting the said timer connected to the said automatic switch and ad justed to close the said automatic switch only when the timer is set for a late spark, coacting substantially as described and for the purpose specified.

at. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination of the engine; means for, giving the same initial movement; a main ignition circuit; a normally closed switch in the said circuit adapted to break the said circuit when the starting device is manipulated; a timer in the said main ignition circuit; a cut-out circuit connected to the electric source side of the said switch in the main circuit, an automatic switch at the opposite end of said cut-out circuit to connect it to the main circuit; and means for adjusting the said timer means for said auxiliary circuit to connect and include mid auxiliary circuit in the main circuit; "connections from said switch to the timerto close theauxiliary circuit when the timer is set at the late spark and to open the said auxiliary circuit when the timer is set at the early spark, coacting for the purpose specified.

6. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination with means -for giving the "engine its initial movement, of a main ignition circuit; a timer device; a switch disposed to break the said circuit when the starting means is actuated; an auxiliary circuit; a switch for said auxiliary circuit disposed to control said circuits;

connections from said switch to the-timer to close the said auxiliary circuit when the timer is set at the late spark and to open said auxiliary circuit when the timer is set at the early spark, coactingfor the purpose specified.

7 In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination with means for imparting to the engine initial movement, of a'main ignition circuit; means for breaking the said circuit d sposed to break the circuit when the starting means is ma- 1 nipulated; an auxiliary ignition circuit;

circuit when the starting means is manipulated; an auxiliary ignition circuit; a timer; and means to close the said auxiliary cir-' cuit when the timer is set for a late spark and 1tro open the same whenset for an early spar 9. In a'starting device for internal combustion engines, an electric ignition device comprising a source of electric supply and connections, with a suitable adjustable timer device'for'controlling the same; manually operated starting means for imparting initial movement to the engine; means disposed to be operated by the manipulation of the starting means to render the ignition means I inoperative when the timer is set-at the early spark; and means associated withthe timer device to render the ignition means operative by the manipulation of themanually operated starting means whenever the timer is set at the late spark.

. 10. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, an electric ignition device comprising a source of'electric sup ly and connections, with a suitable adj ustab e timer,

a device for controlling the same, manually operated starting means for imparting initial movement to the engine, means associated with the starting means to render the ignition means inoperative when the timer is set at the early spark, and means ass0ci-- ated with the timer device to render the ignition means operative by the manipulation of the manually operated starting means whenever the timer is set at the late spark.

11. In a starting device for internal combustion engines, the combination of electric ignition device comprising a source of electric supply and connections, with mechanical means for imparting to the engine initial motion, an advanced ignition circuit, a switch means for manipulating the said advanced ignition circuit, disposed to be circuit when in the act of manipulating the starting means, and a retarding ignition actuated to open said advanced ignition.

circuit, a timer, and switch means associated with said timer to render inoperative the said retarded ignition circuit when the timer is set for an advanced i ition spark.

In witness whereof, have hereunto set o my hand and seal in witnesses.

WILLIS J. PERKINS: a-a

Vitnesses PETER TAYLOR, PETER HONN.

the presence. of two 

